Notes on FDR and the 1930s New Deal Era

Context of the 1930s and FDR

  • The 1930s era is predominantly associated with Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and his New Deal.
  • The lecture aims to complicate this view, exploring other figures and movements alongside the New Deal, including race relations and workers' rights.

Introduction to New Deal Policies

  • FDR introduced the term 'New Deal' during his election without a clear plan outlined.
  • The New Deal was not solely FDR's creation; it was constructed by advisors referred to as the "Brain Trust.", mainly three Columbia professors:
    • Raymond Moley
    • Rexford Tugwell
    • Adolf Berle, Jr.

The 'Brain Trust'

  • The Brain Trust identified essential strategies to combat the economic crisis during the Great Depression:
    • Regulation of banks and stock activity
    • Large-scale direct relief from the federal government
    • Creation of Public Works programs to benefit the public and create jobs
  • These concepts were the framework for FDR's policies during his presidency.

Implementation and Key Figures

  • Although FDR is often credited with the New Deal, Harry Hopkins is considered the "Architect of the New Deal.":
    • As Chief of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), he managed $500 million in direct federal aid.
    • He was responsible for deciding how relief funds were distributed, focusing on public works and job creation.
National Youth Administration (NYA)
  • Founded by Harry Hopkins to support youth aged 16 to 25 who were leaving education for work due to family financial crises.
  • NYA provided a balance of part-time education and part-time work to help young Americans gain skills while contributing to their family.
Frances Perkins and Labor Rights
  • Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, served as Secretary of Labor:
    • Set minimum wage and working hour standards to protect workers from exploitation during the Great Depression.
    • Implemented key programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to provide jobs for young men.

FDR's Approach to Race Relations

  • Historical voting shifts occurred during FDR's 1936 re-election with a significant number of Black Americans voting Democrat.
  • FDR's reputation as a "Champion of Black Rights" is scrutinized due to the exclusion of millions of Black Americans in critical programs, particularly with the Social Security Act.
Social Security Act of 1935
  • The Social Security Act excluded 9.5 million Americans, predominantly Black, despite being labeled as a colorblind policy.
  • Lack of inclusion in the labor market for Black Americans, exacerbated by temporary nature of jobs they held, such as sharecropping and domestic work, was a significant oversight.

Eleanor Roosevelt's Role

  • Eleanor Roosevelt actively advocated for social justice and civil rights, making significant public stands:
    • Supported figures like Marian Anderson, leading to her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
    • Formed relationships with activists like Mary McLeod Bethune, who became a key figure for the Black community in education and employment.

Activism in the 1930s

  • During the Great Depression, Black activism flourished, with many turning towards labor unions and the Communist Party USA:
    • The Communist Party's advocacy for racial equality appealed to Black workers disillusioned by mainstream politics, particularly with labor rights.
Significant Court Cases
  • The Scottsboro Boys case (1931) highlighted the failures of the legal system regarding Black Americans and the role of the Communist Party in seeking justice.
  • Angelo Herndon's case too showed the intersection of race, class struggles, and political affiliation during the 1930s.

Conclusion

  • FDR's New Deal was a collaborative effort that included many significant figures and was not the singular achievement of FDR.
  • The New Deal did not end the Great Depression; it provided security but was ultimately resolved through World War II.
  • Understanding the complexity of the era requires acknowledgment of the diverse contributions and struggles beyond FDR's presidency.